coward

¹ American  

[kou-erd] / ˈkaʊ ərd /

noun

1. a person who lacks courage in facing danger, difficulty, opposition, pain, etc.; a timid or easily intimidated person.

   Synonyms:

   milksop, recreant, dastard, poltroon, craven

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adjective

1. lacking courage; very fearful or timid.

2. proceeding from or expressive of fear or timidity.

   a coward cry.

Coward ² American  

[kou-erd] / ˈkaʊ ərd /

noun

1. Noel, 1899–1973, English playwright, author, actor, and composer.

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Coward ¹ British  

/ ˈkaʊəd /

noun

1. Sir Noël ( Pierce ). 1899–1973, English dramatist, actor, and composer, noted for his sophisticated comedies, which include Private Lives (1930) and Blithe Spirit (1941)

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coward ² British  

/ ˈkaʊəd /

noun

1. a person who shrinks from or avoids danger, pain, or difficulty

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Etymology

Origin of coward

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English, from Old French couard-, couart “cowardly,” from coue “tail” (from Latin cauda, cōda ) + -art -ard

Example Sentences

"Stop being a coward and take Estevao off, it's not fair," rival parents would complain.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

But even while Charlie longs to recross the wine dark sea to America, he ought to take solace in Homer’s words: “No man or woman born, coward or brave, can shun his destiny.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 11, 2025

I am thankful for all the arcane references to pop culture I have at my disposal to frame the workings of a true coward like Hegseth.

From Salon • Nov. 28, 2025

Last week, relatives of the victims shouted "murderer", "coward" and "get out" at Mazon as he arrived for a state memorial service for the victims in the Mediterranean city of Valencia.

From Barron's • Nov. 3, 2025

I left him with only a few commands, the familiar hatred in his face enough to make a coward out of me.

From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black

Related Words

• wimp